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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Help! Separation iminent.

187 replies

amelia · 10/01/2002 11:14

Dear All, I wonder if you could help me. My husband and I have been going to relate counselling since October. We've had a dismal time for the last 3/4 years, particularly since we moved up north and baby no.2 was born nearly 4 years ago. I have tried to talk to him on numerous occasions during this time about our situation and in August last year, said I wanted to leave. After the initial argument, he said nothing to me about this, even during our 2 week holiday away when we had evenings to ourselves. I said it again in October and he asked me to go to counselling which I agreed to do. I don't feel any different about him tho'. I don't love him. i feel that I have tried to explain how i felt and he has not understood (or I haven't explained it properly?) Last night, I said I still wanted to leave as I don't want to carry on in a loveless (on my part - he says he still loves me)relationship where I feel uncomfortable with him and unable to rekindle the fires. The reason i am writing is that he has asked that I try and think of something, anything, that he/we can do to try again, as he does not believe that we have tried had enough to solve our problems. I have no idea. we are way past the try and spend more time together/have romantic meals together stuff. I'm lost. I have no idea what to say to him. i feel I have tried my hardest and that sometimes, although it's painful, it is best to let things go and move on, and I do not see us being together anymore. has anyone had a similar experience or could you offer any ideas. I know the above falls far short of a complete description of our marital breakdown but I'd be more than grateful for any comments. And he says it tears him apart that we won't be able to provide a family for our girls, which of course upsets me too and makes me feel that I've let them down.

OP posts:
saffie · 17/05/2002 00:05

Bumblelion, SHIT OR GET OFF THE POT FOR GOODNESS SAKE!
How much more torture do you want to put yourself through? For God sake get out of this ridiculous situation!!!
There is only so much sympathy we can give.
Please understand I mean this with your best interests at heart.
I have been following your troubles for a while now and the solution is staring you in the face. Gather together all your courage and split up from your husband and start the next chapter of your life. It CAN NOT get worse.

Tillysmummy · 17/05/2002 08:29

Bumblelion, glad to hear from you but sorry it's still a nightmare situation. It is impossible for you to get on with things with him still in the house. IMO you should tell him that your marriage is clearly over and you'd like him to leave.

Stupid, stupid man. Sounds like he is telling you everything to cleanse his conscience so HE doesn't feel guilty. Selfish ba**d.

WideWebWitch · 17/05/2002 09:12

Bumblelion, good to hear from you, I've been wondering how you've been. Nothing much to add but my sympathy.

sniksnak · 17/05/2002 12:18

Welcome back Bumblelion. Echo Tillysmummy and WWW, also I do agree that for everyone's good he must leave the house now. Thinking about you.

sobernow · 17/05/2002 12:35

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

tigermoth · 17/05/2002 13:15

Bumblelion, hope you get where you want to be in this situation soon.

Can I add one thought, based on my own, very long distant experience? advice I followed given to me by a friend. If you feel Tracie is unbearably impinging on your thoughts and your day to day life - think about meeting her. You are part of their relationship, just as she is now part of yours, as long as your husband is sharing a home with you. If your husband won't accept ground rules and can't behave decently about this, then go to her. She can't be having a great time either - either unaware her boyfriend is still living with his wife - or if she is, surely worried about it?

You might find it very empowering to meet her. And it would show your husband that he has not got as much power over you or her as he seems to think he has.

Rhubarb · 17/05/2002 15:30

I still have sympathy for you Bumblelion. It's ok for Saffie to take that approach, but what do you do if your partner does not want to move out of the house and neither do you? Yes you could go to a solicitor, etc, etc, but it all gets expensive and more painful. Bumblelion is trying her best in a very difficult situation, you can't knock it until you've been in that situation yourself.

I do think though Bumblelion that you should get someone else to talk to him. Could you get a solicitor to come out to him and explain to him your rights? You need to get him out of your house asap and if he won't listen to you then you need to find someone he will listen to. I wonder if this Tracie is happy with him going back to you and your house every day? I wonder if she will be able to fully trust him?

I would give him an ultimatum, get out within 3 months or you will go to court to get him out. He is taking the p**s and you know that, you might feel emotionally drained and exhausted and might not want to fight right now, but for your kids sake you must. They can see what he is doing to you and what is this teaching them about marriage and respect? Please, please speed up the process and get him out of there. Tell me where you live and I'll get him out for you!

Tillysmummy · 17/05/2002 15:33

I'll happily help too

My dh is a solicitor - although he doesn't specialise in family law I can ask him what your rights are if you like ?

winnie1 · 17/05/2002 15:46

Tigermoth, good idea and reminds me of an incident I'd forgotten from my long distant past. One needs to remain in control!
Bumblelion, thinking of you, winnie x

aloha · 17/05/2002 19:10

I have to say I agree with, well, everyone. He is not your husband any more in anything but name. He is having his cake and eating it with knobs on. You need to make the next move as he never will - why should he? He's got everything he could possibly want. A nice home, kids, a wife, and a bit of totty on the side without even the bother of having to make up lies. You need to see a solicitor and start divorce proceedings. I know you are scared of being lonely, but this must be sheer torture. Surely a few evenings alone couldn't be worse? It's all up to you, but I can't help but feel a fresh start would boost your self-esteem and confidence. He must be chipping away at it with his awful behaviour. Please find the courage to make a move. Imagine yourself in two years time - where do you want to be? In the same situation? I think not. You could be happy with your kids or even a wonderful new relationship. I honestly don't think he is worthy of you.

aloha · 17/05/2002 19:16

I have to say I agree with, well, everyone. He is not your husband any more in anything but name. He is having his cake and eating it with knobs on. You need to make the next move as he never will - why should he? He's got everything he could possibly want. A nice home, kids, a wife, and a bit of totty on the side without even the bother of having to make up lies. You need to see a solicitor and start divorce proceedings. I know you are scared of being lonely, but this must be sheer torture. Surely a few evenings alone couldn't be worse? It's all up to you, but I can't help but feel a fresh start would boost your self-esteem and confidence. He must be chipping away at it with his awful behaviour. Please find the courage to make a move. Imagine yourself in two years time - where do you want to be? In the same situation? I think not. You could be happy with your kids or even a wonderful new relationship. I honestly don't think he is worthy of you.

Bumblelion · 21/05/2002 22:53

I am not going to comment on here anymore about my failed relationship - you must all be totally bored by it. Thank you for all the constructive comments I have received.

I have taken everything all you have said to heart and will act upon them as and when I feel ready to - unfortunately don't feel strong enough to at the moment.

Life is getting more and more shitty. I wonder why I am punishing myself so much by staying in such a volatile (my feelings) situation but I am afraid to move out. I do still want to be with him - one day I will wake up and know what a fool I am being and that is the day I will move on with my life.

Until that happens, I will no longer moan on here about my situation. As some of you have quite rightly said, it is my choice I am still in this situation. If only it was as easy to shut off your love for someone.

My anger is starting to show (luckily while the baby was asleep and the other two were at school). Yesterday I lost it "big time" - actually had a punching fight with him. Felt good to get all the anger out although I am paying for it today with strained muscles.

Some really horrible things were said (by him and me) and the crux of it is that he said "he no longer loves me". Before he always said he would always love me and to hear him say that he doesn't any more really hurt. That is why I went for him (at his request "hit me if it will make you feel better" he said - so I did!). I also kicked in a wall socket (plug). I told him that I think I am trying to hurt myself physically to try and take away some of the pain that I feel inside.

Oh well, I have made my bed - I better lie in it (until I wake up that beautiful new morning when I feel strong enough to GET HIM OUT and move on with my life).

Thanks for all your kind comments.

WideWebWitch · 21/05/2002 23:14

Bumblelion, you're very welcome to moan and get it all off your chest as much as you like as far as I'm concerned. Lots of sympathy. Try to take care of yourself.

star · 22/05/2002 12:49

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

sobernow · 22/05/2002 13:23

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

bundle · 22/05/2002 13:29

Bumblelion, let it all out here, better out than in as my mum would say. The physical letting off steam is good for you too - maybe try a cushion with his picture on next time, so you don't hurt anyone, especially yourself! I agree, we're not bored of hearing about what's happening in your life, that's what this site it about and many of us have formed a bond with you thanks to your honesty. And who knows, it's could happen to any of us, so don't let us add to the 'negatives' in your life, we're here to listen - and hopefully in some small way - to help

Tillysmummy · 22/05/2002 14:05

wholeheartedly agree with Bundle Bumblelion. We're here to listen. Don't stop writing, Im sure you need the support xxxx

Things will be much clearer when you pluck up the strength to get him out. Especially for the kids.

Bumblelion · 22/05/2002 14:05

Thanks for your kind comments. I feel so sad today - am actually crying in work - luckily I am in an office on my own and my boss is out. What would they think? I feel really angry and have this knot in my stomach and chest. The only thing that keeps me going is my three children - to be honest with you, if it wasn't for them and the effect it would have on them, I feel like running away but I know that that won't solve anything.

Ems · 22/05/2002 14:17

Sorry you're so sad Bumblelion, but I also think its good you are getting angry. I think its a positive step in the right direction. And I also believe, like you, that one morning you will wake up and say RIGHT TODAY IS THE DAY.

Hope its someday soon....... xx

bundle · 22/05/2002 14:23

Bumblelion - do something nice for yourself today - get your favourite bar of chocolate or that really trashy magazine ie not something which costs lots in time/money but just gives you a little buzz...do it often and it might just help build you up again. don't worry about the crying in work..i did it years ago when broke up with man who's now dh and people were fantastic. you're a real, caring person, that's why you're upset. make sure you do that nice thing

Tillysmummy · 22/05/2002 14:44

Bumblelion, so sorry to hear you're having such a bad day. If you can channel all those tears into anger you may be able to get him out sometime soon. Good luck xx Thinking of you.

Just remember, there is someone out there for you who is deserving of you and who will bring love back into your life and it's not him. All the time you're with him you're wasting time with the special person that will treat you as you deserve to be treated. xx

Rhiannon · 22/05/2002 14:53

Bumblelion, keep posting, we are interested as you can see by all the postings to this thread. I really do think you should go and see your GP or at least your HV for some advice or maybe some group support. It always helps to talk through your problems. R

Rhubarb · 22/05/2002 15:07

Hear, hear, do keep posting Bumblelion, this is what Mumsnet is all about, mothers giving support to mothers. You might still love this man, but as you said before you don't like him at the minute. That's a good start. Just keep in your head all the things he is doing to you, write it all down. Then gradually you will find that love you feel for him start to fade and you can make some independant decisions.

Love does not last when it is unreciprocated. I know that lots of people have said this on here, but times will change. If only you start doing little things for yourself, you will find the strength to do bigger things. But do give yourself a break, this has all happened so fast and you are entitled to feel this way and react this way. Give yourself some time to breathe, but set a time limit, say that in 2 months time you will make that first appointment to see a solicitor. Then do nothing but try to heal yourself during that 2 month break, or however long you feel that you need.

Please don't stop posting though, when you went away for a while we were all worried about you, wondering what was happening. We care even if he doesn't. xx

winnie1 · 22/05/2002 15:10

Bumblelion, please don't stop posting. As others are said: thats what we are here for! Sorry you are feeling so bad today. Thinking of you, Winnie x

salalex · 04/06/2002 10:03

Well, it looks like we've reached the end of the line. As much as I think I'll feel better in the long run I feel pretty crap now, and dh is pretty hostile and unfriendly - unsurprisingly. How am I going to get through all this mess with my sanity intact and without damaging my children forever? I've been so sure for so long I wanted to leave him, now it's probably happening, you start to doubt yourself - a bit like confusedfeelings on the other thread. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel, or is it just an oncoming train? BTW, I was Amelia, but can't be bothered with the alias anymore.